Seawork 2026 | Marine Civil Engineering

CAREERS & TRAINING

MARINE CIVIL ENGINEERING

Civil engineers design and manage construction projects.

Marine civil engineers specialise in works to river estuaries, along coastlines, and in offshore locations. In places along the coast, maritime engineers will design solutions to protect homes, businesses and natural environments from damage caused by the sea.

Qualifications and Training

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering.

Many universities specialise in particular areas of civil engineering, like:

structural engineering
environmental engineering
coastal engineering

Some courses include a work placement, which can be useful for making industry contacts to help you find work after you finish your studies.

You can apply for a postgraduate master's award in civil engineering if you have a related degree like maths, science or geology.

You will usually need:

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment – Civil Engineering. This may lead to professional qualification as a Civil Engineering Technician or Incorporated Civil Engineer
An apprenticeship where you work and study part-time which again can lead to gaining Civil Engineering Technician or Incorporated Civil Engineer status.

Salary Brackets

£30,000 - £70,000 (Source: UK Gov website)

Colleges/Universities

University of Plymouth

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/beng-civil-and-coastal-engineering

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

https://www.ntnu.edu/ibm/marine-civil-engineering

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GOOD TO KNOW

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers. You may need to wear protective clothing.

Intermediate apprenticeships

Intermediate apprenticeships are the entry-level apprenticeship for those looking to make a start in the world of work. Available to anyone from the age of 16, with no maximum age limit, they’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change. You’ll need five GCSEs grade A*-E/ 3-9 including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or two National 4s including Maths and English (or equivalent).

Advanced apprenticeships

You can apply for an advanced apprenticeship if you have five GCSEs or National 4 (or equivalent), including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or you’ve completed an intermediate apprenticeship or similar Level 2 qualification. They’re full-time roles, with a competitive salary and they’re a great way to develop specialist skills.

Higher apprenticeships

Higher apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 18 who is looking for an alternative to attending university. You’ll need at least five GCSEs or National 5 + Highers (or equivalent) including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role. Additionally, you’ll require a minimum of two A levels or a level 3 equivalent qualification.

Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships are great for 18–19-year-old school leavers looking to gain a degree while also starting their career journey. It’s the perfect option for those who can’t decide between an apprenticeship and university. They’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change.